It wasn't worth much when Bitcointalk started the development of Epochtalk but it's lots of money today. Maybe it was early for Bitcointalk to start the development of epochtalk because back then, web development, app development and UI/UX design weren't as advanced as it is today. I believe that it was a fast decision. Today, it's possible to create lots of amazing things with 11,000 BTC but who knew if the price would go this high?

It's sad that Bitcointalk didn't go beyond SMF but I think it was time for epochtalk's development to end. Technology and UI standards change very quickly, so when we start a project like Epochtalk, it should be done very quickly and if it stays open-source, it should try to attract talented UI/UX designers and web developers.